Subdue the commoners to protect the upper stratum. Rome’s top layer (patricians) subjugated the lower level (plebeians) to maintain economic and political control. A revolt developed, negotiations ensued, and leaders such as Spurius Maelius allegedly committed treason for their efforts to elevate plebeian economic and political status. Subsequently, plebeian's awoke to recognize their nine to one population over the patricians. The awakening of plebeian fortitude created a revolution in economic and political control. Consequently, the mass of the ordinary class altered economic and political power among Rome.
Economic and political power among Roman citizens favored the privileged minority. The patricians were the upper stratum …show more content…
Their influence was substantial. In economics, the patricians were majority landowners who held most of the wealth while the plebeians were the poor working class. Following times of desperation, plebeians would encounter problems with debt and hunger, so it was not uncommon for these hopeless people to sell themselves or family members into slavery. Furthermore, the plebeian community consisted of carpenters, blacksmiths, farmers, and mason workers. Farmers worked the land owned by the patricians while the upper class reaped the bounty. Life was difficult for the subservient citizens of Rome. In the meantime, these commoners were loyal to their city. They fought in the military, although the highest political office a plebeian was eligible to hold was in the assembly. Controlling power was in the company of the council and senate where patricians held the most senior positions in government. In time, the shift in power would equalize after the plebeian revolt (494 BC), the creation of the Twelve Tables (449-450 BC), and the execution of Spurius Maelius (439 BC) for aiding fellow plebeians during a famine. The awakening of the lower stratum commenced during the plebeian …show more content…
Although the upper stratum was diligent in blocking economic, social, and political progress from the lower stratum plebeians, there is an irony to the outcome of events. The irony is how events within Rome slowly altered the patrician’s ability to resist political balance and include commoners in the democratic process. In other words, the noble sacrifice of Spurius Maelius, and other influences changed the perception among the lower stratum in the years ahead. If it were not for the contributions and sacrifices of public servants such as Spurius Maelius, plebeians might not have encountered an awakening. Subsequently, the commoners rise to recognize their nine to one influence over the patricians. The renewal fortified the plebeians to rebel and gained higher levels of economic and political control. Therefore, the plebeians were a hard-working group of farmers, soldiers, and merchants that altered Rome’s economic and political
Economic and political power among Roman citizens favored the privileged minority. The patricians were the upper stratum …show more content…
Their influence was substantial. In economics, the patricians were majority landowners who held most of the wealth while the plebeians were the poor working class. Following times of desperation, plebeians would encounter problems with debt and hunger, so it was not uncommon for these hopeless people to sell themselves or family members into slavery. Furthermore, the plebeian community consisted of carpenters, blacksmiths, farmers, and mason workers. Farmers worked the land owned by the patricians while the upper class reaped the bounty. Life was difficult for the subservient citizens of Rome. In the meantime, these commoners were loyal to their city. They fought in the military, although the highest political office a plebeian was eligible to hold was in the assembly. Controlling power was in the company of the council and senate where patricians held the most senior positions in government. In time, the shift in power would equalize after the plebeian revolt (494 BC), the creation of the Twelve Tables (449-450 BC), and the execution of Spurius Maelius (439 BC) for aiding fellow plebeians during a famine. The awakening of the lower stratum commenced during the plebeian …show more content…
Although the upper stratum was diligent in blocking economic, social, and political progress from the lower stratum plebeians, there is an irony to the outcome of events. The irony is how events within Rome slowly altered the patrician’s ability to resist political balance and include commoners in the democratic process. In other words, the noble sacrifice of Spurius Maelius, and other influences changed the perception among the lower stratum in the years ahead. If it were not for the contributions and sacrifices of public servants such as Spurius Maelius, plebeians might not have encountered an awakening. Subsequently, the commoners rise to recognize their nine to one influence over the patricians. The renewal fortified the plebeians to rebel and gained higher levels of economic and political control. Therefore, the plebeians were a hard-working group of farmers, soldiers, and merchants that altered Rome’s economic and political